Nature and Characteristics of an Academic Text

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key terms, features, and characteristics of academic texts and language.

Academic Text

A piece of writing that conveys information, ideas, and concepts connected to a specific discipline in a formal, logical manner.

Thesis

A substantial academic document that presents original research findings to fulfill degree requirements.

Dissertation

An extensive scholarly work submitted for a doctorate that offers original contributions to knowledge.

Report

A structured academic document that presents research data, analysis, and findings on a given topic.

Essay

A short academic composition that presents and supports a writer’s argument on a specific subject.

Research Paper

A focused academic study that investigates a problem or question using evidence-based analysis.

Structure (of an Academic Text)

The standard organization into introduction, body, and conclusion arranged in a formal, logical sequence.

Tone (in Academic Writing)

The author’s attitude conveyed through balanced and fair presentation of arguments in an appropriate narrative voice.

Academic Language

Discipline-specific vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical devices required to perform academic tasks.

Social Language

Everyday vocabulary used for informal conversations in daily life situations.

Citation

The practice of acknowledging sources within the text and in footnotes, endnotes, or reference lists.

Complexity

The quality of addressing sophisticated issues that demand critical, logical, and creative thinking skills.

Evidence-Based Arguments

Claims grounded in a thorough understanding of relevant knowledge and scholarly debates.

Thesis-Driven

An approach where writing begins with a clear stance or idea that guides the entire discussion or study.

Complex (Feature)

Exhibits wide vocabulary, longer words, and more complicated grammar than everyday language.

Formal (Feature)

Employs formal vocabulary and avoids colloquial or slang expressions.

Precise

Provides information accurately and exactly, using specific terminology.

Objective

Presents and evaluates issues based on research and reasoning rather than personal feelings.

Explicit

Clearly states relationships and connections within the text so readers can easily follow the logic.

Accurate

Values exactness and correctness, choosing vocabulary that conveys precise meaning.

Hedging

The careful expression of stance or the degree of certainty about claims being made.

Responsible

Requires writers to support claims with evidence and justification.

Organize

Ensures writing flows logically from one section to another.

Plan

Follows a systematic, often scientific, procedure when investigating a problem.

Formal (Characteristic of Academic Language)

Avoids conversational, colloquial, idiomatic, or journalistic expressions.

Objective (Characteristic of Academic Language)

Remains unbiased and grounded in facts rather than personal opinion.

Impersonal

Avoids first- and second-person pronouns, favoring constructions such as "this report will show."

Purposes in Reading Academic Texts

Include locating main ideas, scanning for information, identifying research gaps, connecting new and existing ideas, gathering data, supporting writing tasks, and deepening understanding.

Factors in Writing Academic Texts

State critical questions, provide credible evidence, use precise language, maintain objectivity, list references, and employ cautious wording.